US9434512B2 - Handle for use with a flexible package - Google Patents

Handle for use with a flexible package Download PDF

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Publication number
US9434512B2
US9434512B2 US14/309,140 US201414309140A US9434512B2 US 9434512 B2 US9434512 B2 US 9434512B2 US 201414309140 A US201414309140 A US 201414309140A US 9434512 B2 US9434512 B2 US 9434512B2
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
track
handle
flexible
package
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US14/309,140
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US20150367993A1 (en
Inventor
Jacob Branyon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sonoco Development Inc
Original Assignee
Sonoco Development Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sonoco Development Inc filed Critical Sonoco Development Inc
Priority to US14/309,140 priority Critical patent/US9434512B2/en
Assigned to SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC. reassignment SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRANYON, JACOB
Priority to CA2888504A priority patent/CA2888504C/en
Publication of US20150367993A1 publication Critical patent/US20150367993A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9434512B2 publication Critical patent/US9434512B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/06—Handles

Definitions

  • This invention patent relates to a handle for use with a flexible package. More particularly, this invention relates to a low-profile, rigid track and handle assembly for use with a flexible package.
  • Carrying large or heavy flexible packages can be a challenge for consumers.
  • Some bags have large, integrated die-cut handles, but these bags require additional material and can result in additional scrap during the manufacturing process.
  • the present invention is intended to solve these problems.
  • the present invention is a rigid track and a handle assembly for use with a flexible package.
  • the track has a top wall defining an elongated slot and may be recessed within an opening in the package wall.
  • the handle assembly comprises a flexible handle and moveable guide members captured within the track and biased away from each other by the handle. The handle assembly is moveable between a first position in which the handle is flat and a second position in which the handle is arc shaped.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having a handle assembly according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2 - 2 .
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 2 showing the handle in a raised position.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 4 - 4 .
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a handle assembly according to the present disclosure affixed to a package seam.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment of the present disclosure, a container 10 comprising a flexible package 12 , an elongated track 14 affixed to the package 12 and a handle assembly 16 .
  • the flexible package 12 may be of the type having a flexible front panel and flexible rear panel affixed along top and bottom seams.
  • the track 14 may be affixed to front panel as shown.
  • the track 14 and handle assembly 16 are low-profile, that is, they are recessed below the plane of the front panel and/or designed to have a minimum height, allowing for less material and minimizing any impact on shelf space, pallet loads and truck loading.
  • the track 14 has a bottom wall 20 , end walls 22 extending upward from the bottom wall 20 , side walls 24 extending upward from the bottom wall 20 and a top wall 26 extending between the side walls 24 and the end walls 22 .
  • the top wall 26 defines an elongated slot 28 .
  • the track 14 defines an interior 29 and further comprises a pair of spaced apart stops 30 located within the interior 29 and configured to limit the inward movement of a pair of guide members 32 .
  • the stops 30 have outwardly facing stop surfaces 33 spaced equally from a center plane P of the track 14 .
  • the handle assembly 16 comprises a resiliently flexible handle 18 having opposing ends 19 and moveable guide members 32 located within the track interior 29 and attached to the handle 18 near the opposing ends 19 .
  • the guide members 32 are biased away from each other and toward their respective end walls 22 by the handle 18 and move inwardly toward each other when the handle 18 is lifted by a user.
  • the handle 18 remains affixed to the track 14 while being lifted because the guide members 32 are larger than the slot 28 and cannot be removed from the track 14 without destroying the integrity of the track 14 .
  • the track 14 may be affixed to the flexible package 12 in any suitable location and in any suitable manner.
  • the track 14 is affixed to a front panel 34 of the package 12 and may be recessed within an opening in the front panel 34 .
  • the track 14 and handle assembly 16 can lay flat when not in use, but the handle 18 forms an arc when pulled on and used to carry the package 12 .
  • the track 14 can be adhered to the package 12 using any suitable adhesive or by heat sealing.
  • the track 14 is affixed to a top seam 36 by, for example, mechanical means. This may be accomplished by integrating teeth or male/female features in the track 14 to allow it to grip or lock onto the end seam 36 .
  • the track 14 and the handle assembly 16 are separate pieces or constructions.
  • the track 14 is affixed to the flexible package and the handle assembly 16 floats free of the package 12 but is tethered to the track 14 by the guide members 32 as explained above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A track and handle assembly for use with a flexible package is provided. The rigid box-like track has a top wall defining an elongated slot. The track may be recessed within an opening in the package wall. The handle assembly comprises a flexible handle and moveable guide members captured within the track and biased away from each other by the resiliently flexible handle. The handle assembly is moveable between a first position in which the handle is flat and a second position in which the handle is arc shaped.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention patent relates to a handle for use with a flexible package. More particularly, this invention relates to a low-profile, rigid track and handle assembly for use with a flexible package.
2. Description of the Related Art
Carrying large or heavy flexible packages can be a challenge for consumers. Some bags have large, integrated die-cut handles, but these bags require additional material and can result in additional scrap during the manufacturing process. The present invention is intended to solve these problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a rigid track and a handle assembly for use with a flexible package. The track has a top wall defining an elongated slot and may be recessed within an opening in the package wall. The handle assembly comprises a flexible handle and moveable guide members captured within the track and biased away from each other by the handle. The handle assembly is moveable between a first position in which the handle is flat and a second position in which the handle is arc shaped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having a handle assembly according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 2 showing the handle in a raised position.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a handle assembly according to the present disclosure affixed to a package seam.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While this invention may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one or more embodiments with the understanding that this disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
Turning to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment of the present disclosure, a container 10 comprising a flexible package 12, an elongated track 14 affixed to the package 12 and a handle assembly 16.
The flexible package 12 may be of the type having a flexible front panel and flexible rear panel affixed along top and bottom seams. The track 14 may be affixed to front panel as shown. Preferably the track 14 and handle assembly 16 are low-profile, that is, they are recessed below the plane of the front panel and/or designed to have a minimum height, allowing for less material and minimizing any impact on shelf space, pallet loads and truck loading.
As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the track 14 has a bottom wall 20, end walls 22 extending upward from the bottom wall 20, side walls 24 extending upward from the bottom wall 20 and a top wall 26 extending between the side walls 24 and the end walls 22. The top wall 26 defines an elongated slot 28. The track 14 defines an interior 29 and further comprises a pair of spaced apart stops 30 located within the interior 29 and configured to limit the inward movement of a pair of guide members 32. Preferably the stops 30 have outwardly facing stop surfaces 33 spaced equally from a center plane P of the track 14.
The handle assembly 16 comprises a resiliently flexible handle 18 having opposing ends 19 and moveable guide members 32 located within the track interior 29 and attached to the handle 18 near the opposing ends 19. The guide members 32 are biased away from each other and toward their respective end walls 22 by the handle 18 and move inwardly toward each other when the handle 18 is lifted by a user. The handle 18 remains affixed to the track 14 while being lifted because the guide members 32 are larger than the slot 28 and cannot be removed from the track 14 without destroying the integrity of the track 14.
The track 14 may be affixed to the flexible package 12 in any suitable location and in any suitable manner. In FIG. 4 the track 14 is affixed to a front panel 34 of the package 12 and may be recessed within an opening in the front panel 34. The track 14 and handle assembly 16 can lay flat when not in use, but the handle 18 forms an arc when pulled on and used to carry the package 12. The track 14 can be adhered to the package 12 using any suitable adhesive or by heat sealing.
In FIG. 5 the track 14 is affixed to a top seam 36 by, for example, mechanical means. This may be accomplished by integrating teeth or male/female features in the track 14 to allow it to grip or lock onto the end seam 36.
The track 14 and the handle assembly 16 are separate pieces or constructions. The track 14 is affixed to the flexible package and the handle assembly 16 floats free of the package 12 but is tethered to the track 14 by the guide members 32 as explained above.
It is understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are only particular examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope.

Claims (8)

The invention claimed is:
1. An easy to carry container comprising:
a flexible package having a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel affixed to each other along at least one seam;
a separate elongated rigid track adhered to the first flexible panel, the track having a rigid bottom wall, rigid side walls extending upward from the bottom wall and a rigid top wall extending between the side walls, the top wall defining an elongated slot, the top wall, bottom wall and side walls defining a track interior, the track further comprising a pair of spaced apart stops located within the track interior and configured to limit the inward movement of a pair of guide members;
a resiliently flexible handle having opposing ends, the handle being located outside the track interior; and
the moveable guide members attached to the opposing ends, each moveable guide member captured within the track interior and configured to slide reciprocally within the track interior, the guide members being biased away from each other by the handle and configured to move inwardly toward each other until they abut one of the stops when the handle is lifted by a user.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein:
the track is affixed to a flexible front panel of the package.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein:
the front panel defines a plane and the track is recessed within an opening in the front panel so that the track extends below the plane of the front panel.
4. The container of claim 3 wherein:
the handle is moveable between a first position in which the handle is flat and a second position in which the handle is arc shaped.
5. The container of claim 4 wherein:
the track is adhered to the package using an adhesive.
6. The container of claim 4 wherein:
the track is adhered to the package by heat sealing.
7. An easy to carry container comprising:
a flexible package having a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel affixed to each other along at least one seam;
a separate elongated rigid track, the track having a rigid bottom wall, rigid side walls extending upward from the bottom wall and a rigid top wall extending between the side walls, the top wall defining an elongated slot, the top wall, bottom wall and side walls defining a track interior, the track further comprising a pair of spaced apart stops located within the track interior and configured to limit the inward movement of a pair of guide members;
a resiliently flexible handle having opposing ends, the handle being located outside the track interior; and
the moveable guide members attached to the opposing ends, each moveable guide member captured within the track interior and configured to slide reciprocally within the track interior, the guide members being biased away from each other by the handle and configured to move inwardly toward each other until they abut one of the stops when the handle is lifted by a user, wherein:
the track is affixed to a seam of the flexible package.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein:
the track is affixed to the flexible package and the handle floats free of the package but is tethered to the track by the guide members.
US14/309,140 2014-06-19 2014-06-19 Handle for use with a flexible package Expired - Fee Related US9434512B2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/309,140 US9434512B2 (en) 2014-06-19 2014-06-19 Handle for use with a flexible package
CA2888504A CA2888504C (en) 2014-06-19 2015-04-20 Handle for use with a flexible package

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/309,140 US9434512B2 (en) 2014-06-19 2014-06-19 Handle for use with a flexible package

Publications (2)

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US20150367993A1 US20150367993A1 (en) 2015-12-24
US9434512B2 true US9434512B2 (en) 2016-09-06

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US (1) US9434512B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2888504C (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10131180B1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2018-11-20 Anthony J Marotta Collapsible paint caddy
US11525195B2 (en) * 2020-05-27 2022-12-13 Jhih Huei Trading Co., Ltd. Woven textile for bag and bag

Citations (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2236681A (en) * 1937-06-23 1941-04-01 Goldschmidt Edward Package seal and handle
US2654475A (en) * 1950-11-14 1953-10-06 Container Corp Can package with handle
US2773635A (en) * 1952-10-30 1956-12-11 Stelzer William Package carriers and method for making the same
US3333308A (en) 1966-04-08 1967-08-01 Mack Joseph Snap lock attached bag handle
US3416720A (en) * 1967-10-17 1968-12-17 Kleinhaut Samuel Shopping bag or the like
US3801012A (en) * 1971-02-02 1974-04-02 Packaging Corp America Handle construction
US4339070A (en) * 1980-08-01 1982-07-13 Lawson Paper Converters Limited Carton having integrally formed supplementary components
US4387846A (en) 1981-03-30 1983-06-14 Ducorday Gerard M Bag handle
US4691369A (en) * 1986-08-14 1987-09-01 Champion International Corporation Bag with handle and method of making the same
US4816014A (en) * 1987-09-08 1989-03-28 Manville Corporation Carton handle applicator
US4850718A (en) * 1986-02-07 1989-07-25 Newlong Machine Works, Ltd. Bag
US6233786B1 (en) 1999-09-06 2001-05-22 Bo-Hon Lin Handle for a bag
US20080037907A1 (en) * 2006-08-08 2008-02-14 Sydnie Allison Suskind Adjustable folding bag with self-centering handle
US20080080794A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2008-04-03 Alfons Kruse Film packaging bag
US20090106942A1 (en) * 2007-10-28 2009-04-30 Dell Orfano Donna J Handle and system for organization
US20090255946A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2009-10-15 Axel Rose Method of making and transporting a container with a carrying handle and a container with a carrying handle therefor
US7670050B2 (en) * 2003-07-25 2010-03-02 Bischof + Klein Gmbh & Co. Kg Packaging container consisting of a plastic film
US20110033133A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2011-02-10 Marcus Kujat Sheet-material packaging bag
US20120145733A1 (en) 2010-12-14 2012-06-14 Laura Lynn Heilman Package with handle
US8231029B2 (en) 2009-09-10 2012-07-31 Smart Bottle Inc. Flexible container having flexible handles
US20130129260A1 (en) * 2011-11-11 2013-05-23 Ampac Holdings Llc Pouch with rigid handle and supports

Patent Citations (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2236681A (en) * 1937-06-23 1941-04-01 Goldschmidt Edward Package seal and handle
US2654475A (en) * 1950-11-14 1953-10-06 Container Corp Can package with handle
US2773635A (en) * 1952-10-30 1956-12-11 Stelzer William Package carriers and method for making the same
US3333308A (en) 1966-04-08 1967-08-01 Mack Joseph Snap lock attached bag handle
US3416720A (en) * 1967-10-17 1968-12-17 Kleinhaut Samuel Shopping bag or the like
US3801012A (en) * 1971-02-02 1974-04-02 Packaging Corp America Handle construction
US4339070A (en) * 1980-08-01 1982-07-13 Lawson Paper Converters Limited Carton having integrally formed supplementary components
US4387846A (en) 1981-03-30 1983-06-14 Ducorday Gerard M Bag handle
US4850718A (en) * 1986-02-07 1989-07-25 Newlong Machine Works, Ltd. Bag
US4691369A (en) * 1986-08-14 1987-09-01 Champion International Corporation Bag with handle and method of making the same
US4816014A (en) * 1987-09-08 1989-03-28 Manville Corporation Carton handle applicator
US6233786B1 (en) 1999-09-06 2001-05-22 Bo-Hon Lin Handle for a bag
US7670050B2 (en) * 2003-07-25 2010-03-02 Bischof + Klein Gmbh & Co. Kg Packaging container consisting of a plastic film
US20080037907A1 (en) * 2006-08-08 2008-02-14 Sydnie Allison Suskind Adjustable folding bag with self-centering handle
US20080080794A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2008-04-03 Alfons Kruse Film packaging bag
US20090255946A1 (en) * 2006-10-18 2009-10-15 Axel Rose Method of making and transporting a container with a carrying handle and a container with a carrying handle therefor
US20110033133A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2011-02-10 Marcus Kujat Sheet-material packaging bag
US20090106942A1 (en) * 2007-10-28 2009-04-30 Dell Orfano Donna J Handle and system for organization
US8231029B2 (en) 2009-09-10 2012-07-31 Smart Bottle Inc. Flexible container having flexible handles
US20120145733A1 (en) 2010-12-14 2012-06-14 Laura Lynn Heilman Package with handle
US20130129260A1 (en) * 2011-11-11 2013-05-23 Ampac Holdings Llc Pouch with rigid handle and supports

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10131180B1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2018-11-20 Anthony J Marotta Collapsible paint caddy
US11525195B2 (en) * 2020-05-27 2022-12-13 Jhih Huei Trading Co., Ltd. Woven textile for bag and bag

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2888504A1 (en) 2015-12-19
US20150367993A1 (en) 2015-12-24
CA2888504C (en) 2017-06-27

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